Jesus Christ has fascinated mankind for centuries. He is the most written about person in the world with countless non fiction and fiction books available. Each year nearly 200 or more new books are published. Worldwide Jesus continues to dominate writers and people of all faiths. Why is this? Why so many books on about Jesus?
J. Schuyler Sprowles is author of the newly released and critically acclaimed book, The Young Samaritan. Sprowles says much of the fascination as his began not only through faith but due to so many unanswered questions in the New Testament and what we do not know.I had a chance to interview him to learn more.
Can you share a little bit about your book, The Young Samaritan?
This is a fictional account of a Samaritan boy’s tumultuous journey in the time of Christ. The boy, Joshua, is awakened in the middle of the night by his mother who tearfully demands that he leave home immediately as his drunken step-father has threatened his life. She sends him to her impoverished and fearful brother who lives along the Old Jerusalem Road. Joshua embarks on his perilous journey through unknown lands and villages where he encounters kind strangers, unsavory characters and even a wild dog who loyally tags along. He eventually finds his way to the ramshackle home of his long lost uncle who hides from the world. A loving bond is formed as the two live off the land and share stories well into the night.
One night they are awakened by the sound of men approaching their encampment seeking shelter. The reader quickly discovers that the late night visitors are Jesus and his disciples. In the coming days Joshua becomes intrigued by these sojourners and he determines to join them.
Although there is sharp resistance to the boy’s desire to journey with them, the brothers ultimately relent.
Joshua develops deep bonds with the men and is eyewitness to remarkable occurrences involving Jesus. Word of the humble man from Nazareth who performs miracles and defies authorities travels fast throughout the land. Soon large crowds follow this Rabbi as he and his disciples begin a fateful journey to Jerusalem. Joshua is in the midst of it all. The closer they come to Jerusalem, the more ominous are the threats to Jesus, but the journey continues as Jesus approaches the mighty temple to celebrate the Passover.
In the confusion that follows, Joshua is separated from the brothers in the midst of the swarming multitudes. Later, he discovers Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he is arrested by the Temple Guards. The journey, however, is hardly over for Joshua as he will stop at nothing in his pursuit of his beloved Jesus.
What led you to write it?
Over the years I have attended numerous bible study groups at various churches and have been most drawn to the four gospel stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Not only are these accounts rich with meaning and purpose, they tell a vivid story of Jesus as he walked the earth as a man and spoke simple words of eternal wisdom to all who would listen. What is made clear in the gospels and what I fully believe, is that beyond being fully human, Jesus was fully divine.
I have long pondered how I could write a story of Jesus’ remarkable journey to the cross in a way that brought the reader into the journey as well. But how could such a story be told?
In the Book of Mark, largely considered to be the first gospel, there is an intriguing passage involving the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane that is not recounted in any of the other gospels. It is Chapter 14 verses 51 -52: “Now a certain young lad followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.” It is this short verse from The Book of Mark that inspired the writing of my book. Who was this young lad? What brought him to this significant place and time? The Young Samaritan is his backstory.
MM: What was the most challenging aspect?
JSS: Any attempt to write a novel that brings to life the scriptures of the New Testament is challenging, to say the least. I was careful to document whenever I used words from the Gospels. As I used my imagination to advance the storyline, it was always top of mind for me to make sure that the scenarios and dialog were plausible for the time and in keeping with the intent of the Gospels. This was a painstaking task but one that was absolutely necessary in order to tell this story with honesty and integrity.
How did you develop the characters?
It was essential that Joshua as the main character exhibited all the strengths and weaknesses of a boy coming of age. I wanted the reader to feel his heartbreak, loneliness and fears, but also his reckless abandon as he ran headlong into an uncertain future and in the process was transformed.
With the exception of Jesus, the old woman known as “Mother” by all in her impoverished village was by far the strongest character of the story. She was a visionary, saint-like character, much like Mother Teresa and a pivotal character in the story.
Another major character was Joshua’s long lost Uncle Cyrus who was afraid of his own shadow. Despite his deep-seated emotional scars resulting from distant years of unspeakable abuse and trauma, Cyrus is as good as gold. In spite of his hermit-like ways this endearing figure and his ultimate transformation, makes you smile and steals your heart.
With respect to Jesus and his disciples I did my best to paint a picture of each of them as they are portrayed in the gospels. I added a few flourishes of my own, still never losing sight of who the disciples were from a historical perspective.
What was the challenge in writing about Jesus Christ from both a historical and religious aspect?
There are a number of occasions in the telling of this work of fiction where I have used the words of Jesus. Although it may not be in the biblical context as presented in the Gospels, I have taken the utmost care to use His words in the most thoughtful manner and hopefully in the spirit the Gospel writers intended. In each case where I adapted a scripture passage where Jesus had spoken, I have made reference with a footnote. Throughout this story there is dialogue between Jesus, His disciples, and the main character, Joshua. My purpose in these conversations has been to bring to life the extraordinary time when Jesus walked the earth. In doing so, I have drawn on numerous well-established Gospel accounts as a point of reference to place the reader in the midst of these remarkable events.
MM: What do you hope the reader walks away with?
JSS:
It is my hope that the reader feels they have become a part of Joshua’s incredible journey, that it may cause them to reflect on their own journey in life, both with God and with the people who have inspired them along the way.
This is a fictional account of a Samaritan boy’s tumultuous journey in the time of Christ. The boy, Joshua, is awakened in the middle of the night by his mother who tearfully demands that he leave home immediately as his drunken step-father has threatened his life. She sends him to her impoverished and fearful brother who lives along the Old Jerusalem Road. Joshua embarks on his perilous journey through unknown lands and villages where he encounters kind strangers, unsavory characters and even a wild dog who loyally tags along. He eventually finds his way to the ramshackle home of his long lost uncle who hides from the world. A loving bond is formed as the two live off the land and share stories well into the night.
One night they are awakened by the sound of men approaching their encampment seeking shelter. The reader quickly discovers that the late night visitors are Jesus and his disciples. In the coming days Joshua becomes intrigued by these sojourners and he determines to join them.
Although there is sharp resistance to the boy’s desire to journey with them, the brothers ultimately relent.
Joshua develops deep bonds with the men and is eyewitness to remarkable occurrences involving Jesus. Word of the humble man from Nazareth who performs miracles and defies authorities travels fast throughout the land. Soon large crowds follow this Rabbi as he and his disciples begin a fateful journey to Jerusalem. Joshua is in the midst of it all. The closer they come to Jerusalem, the more ominous are the threats to Jesus, but the journey continues as Jesus approaches the mighty temple to celebrate the Passover.
In the confusion that follows, Joshua is separated from the brothers in the midst of the swarming multitudes. Later, he discovers Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he is arrested by the Temple Guards. The journey, however, is hardly over for Joshua as he will stop at nothing in his pursuit of his beloved Jesus.
What led you to write it?
Over the years I have attended numerous bible study groups at various churches and have been most drawn to the four gospel stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Not only are these accounts rich with meaning and purpose, they tell a vivid story of Jesus as he walked the earth as a man and spoke simple words of eternal wisdom to all who would listen. What is made clear in the gospels and what I fully believe, is that beyond being fully human, Jesus was fully divine.
I have long pondered how I could write a story of Jesus’ remarkable journey to the cross in a way that brought the reader into the journey as well. But how could such a story be told?
In the Book of Mark, largely considered to be the first gospel, there is an intriguing passage involving the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane that is not recounted in any of the other gospels. It is Chapter 14 verses 51 -52: “Now a certain young lad followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.” It is this short verse from The Book of Mark that inspired the writing of my book. Who was this young lad? What brought him to this significant place and time? The Young Samaritan is his backstory.
MM: What was the most challenging aspect?
JSS: Any attempt to write a novel that brings to life the scriptures of the New Testament is challenging, to say the least. I was careful to document whenever I used words from the Gospels. As I used my imagination to advance the storyline, it was always top of mind for me to make sure that the scenarios and dialog were plausible for the time and in keeping with the intent of the Gospels. This was a painstaking task but one that was absolutely necessary in order to tell this story with honesty and integrity.
How did you develop the characters?
It was essential that Joshua as the main character exhibited all the strengths and weaknesses of a boy coming of age. I wanted the reader to feel his heartbreak, loneliness and fears, but also his reckless abandon as he ran headlong into an uncertain future and in the process was transformed.
With the exception of Jesus, the old woman known as “Mother” by all in her impoverished village was by far the strongest character of the story. She was a visionary, saint-like character, much like Mother Teresa and a pivotal character in the story.
Another major character was Joshua’s long lost Uncle Cyrus who was afraid of his own shadow. Despite his deep-seated emotional scars resulting from distant years of unspeakable abuse and trauma, Cyrus is as good as gold. In spite of his hermit-like ways this endearing figure and his ultimate transformation, makes you smile and steals your heart.
With respect to Jesus and his disciples I did my best to paint a picture of each of them as they are portrayed in the gospels. I added a few flourishes of my own, still never losing sight of who the disciples were from a historical perspective.
What was the challenge in writing about Jesus Christ from both a historical and religious aspect?
There are a number of occasions in the telling of this work of fiction where I have used the words of Jesus. Although it may not be in the biblical context as presented in the Gospels, I have taken the utmost care to use His words in the most thoughtful manner and hopefully in the spirit the Gospel writers intended. In each case where I adapted a scripture passage where Jesus had spoken, I have made reference with a footnote. Throughout this story there is dialogue between Jesus, His disciples, and the main character, Joshua. My purpose in these conversations has been to bring to life the extraordinary time when Jesus walked the earth. In doing so, I have drawn on numerous well-established Gospel accounts as a point of reference to place the reader in the midst of these remarkable events.
MM: What do you hope the reader walks away with?
JSS:
It is my hope that the reader feels they have become a part of Joshua’s incredible journey, that it may cause them to reflect on their own journey in life, both with God and with the people who have inspired them along the way.
Why have so many books been written about Jesus and his times?
I’m not sure I have a good answer for that other than to say that the interest in Jesus is not confined to people who go to church or become theologians. It never has been. Jesus is a universal and timeless figure who actually walked the earth not as a King or a conqueror, but as a humble servant. He continues to fascinate people. Beyond the well-established historical facts there is an eternal reality, Jesus walked the earth fully human and fully divine. Once one completely comes to grips with that profound reality, the perspective on their own life can change dramatically. I’m actually surprised there isn’t a book about the historical Jesus coming out every day!
Why is Jesus such an important figure, even for people who aren’t Christian?
I dare say that if you profess to being a non-Christian yet still view Jesus as an important figure, you may be closer to becoming a believer than you think. In fact, Jesus may be calling you at this very moment! However, regardless of whether you are a believer or not, it is undeniable that Jesus holds a vital place in the history of the world.
Why is Jesus such an important figure, even for people who aren’t Christian?
I dare say that if you profess to being a non-Christian yet still view Jesus as an important figure, you may be closer to becoming a believer than you think. In fact, Jesus may be calling you at this very moment! However, regardless of whether you are a believer or not, it is undeniable that Jesus holds a vital place in the history of the world.
What can non-Christians learn from the historical figure of Jesus and your book, no matter what their beliefs are?
The historical Jesus represents the greatest adventure story ever told. The non-Christian must ask what would enable such a common man to perform miracles. What would cause a man such as Jesus to draw epic crowds, to openly defy the supreme religious leaders of his time and willingly die on a cross for the sake of us all, if there wasn’t something far more vast at work? What we can all learn or consider, whether we are Christians or not, is that perhaps there is a greater truth in existence beyond ourselves. In its own small way, The Young Samaritan suggests that there is.
Regardless of beliefs, however, there are messages of hope, overcoming adversity, loyalty and love throughout Joshua’s journey.
The historical Jesus represents the greatest adventure story ever told. The non-Christian must ask what would enable such a common man to perform miracles. What would cause a man such as Jesus to draw epic crowds, to openly defy the supreme religious leaders of his time and willingly die on a cross for the sake of us all, if there wasn’t something far more vast at work? What we can all learn or consider, whether we are Christians or not, is that perhaps there is a greater truth in existence beyond ourselves. In its own small way, The Young Samaritan suggests that there is.
Regardless of beliefs, however, there are messages of hope, overcoming adversity, loyalty and love throughout Joshua’s journey.
What surprised you most while writing this book?
I was surprised at how close I became to the characters and how invested I was in their ultimate destiny. They each spoke clearly to me as to where this story should go. I remain forever grateful to them for their guidance.
Learn more:
www.jssprowles.com
Learn more:
www.jssprowles.com
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